Patellofemoral pain syndrome is also called runner’s knee. The pain is felt at the anterior part of the knee and area surrounding the kneecap or patella. People who are playing sports such as running and jumping are susceptible to this condition. Pain becomes severe when running, walking up and down a stairs, squatting and sitting for long periods of time.
Symptoms
- Joint pain especially at the front of the knee around and under the patella.
- Tenderness on the inside border of the kneecap
- Swelling of the area after an exercise
- Clicking or cracking sound when bending the knees
If the symptoms still persists within a week, seek medical help immediately
Causes
- Injury or trauma on the kneecap such as a dislocation or fracture
- Overuse of the knee such as jumping or running that places repetitive stress on the joint of the knee and cause irritation on the kneecap.
- Being overweight
- A misaligned kneecap also known as patellar tracking disorder such as performing squatting which is the inward movement of the knee can cause patellofemoral pain.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome usually affects adolescents and young adults. Problems of the knee on older people are usually due to arthritis. Women are more susceptible to develop patellofemoral pain syndrome than in men, women have wider pelvis.
Treatment
- Take plenty of rest at least for few days or totally stop from performing activities and rest the affected knees.
- Apply an ice pack on the affected knees to help lessen the pain. Apply the cold compress at least 10-20 minutes. Avoid placing the ice directly on the skin to prevent frostbite. Wrap the ice or ice bag with a towel before applying on the affected area.
- Apply a compression bandage or a patella tracking knee brace which has a hole in the middle for the kneecap and has a strap that can be pulled across the knee and provides support to the patella. Patellofemoral taping technique also helps with the condition by changing the tracking of the patella to help lessen pain.
- Elevate the knees higher than the level of the heart to help with the proper circulation of blood in the area and also lessen swelling of the knees.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen to lessen the pain.
- Seek the help of a physical therapist for some exercises to help strengthen the muscles that are supporting the knees and alignment of the limbs such as the hamstrings, quadriceps and the muscles found around the hips especially hip abductors and also the inward movement of knee during squatting.
- During recovery, perform light exercises for the knee such as bicycling, swimming or water running.
Tips
- Learn the proper techniques in running.
- Take at least a 5-minute stretch before performing any sports
- Wear running shoes with shock absorbers and good quality. If flat footed, wear shoe inserts and shoes especially for flat footed runners.
FACT CHECK
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome/